Casa Orquideas and Rio Tigre, Golfo Dulce
Someone told me once that the best of our journeys was the part when you wake up and look through the window. A whole new site, an entire new environ to discover, a fabulous opportunity for our guests to start one more expedition day. Today was no exception to the rule and National Geographic Sea Lion was ready to greet the first sun rays at the serene waters of Golfo Dulce. The gentle ocean and the soft breeze created a perfect arrangement for the sun to break in while our guests were preparing for a stretching session with our wellness specialist up on the deck. Many more would be lured by the unmistakable aroma of fresh coffee served at the lounge. Quite a few early souls woke up even before the official call by the expedition leader, just to enjoy what is considered by many as the best time of the day.
Our activities would commence ashore with our visit to Casa Orquidea. Casa Orquidea is some sort of dream come true for the majority of our guests who truly enjoy plants, flowers and colorful birds. It is absolutely amazing the number of species gathered by this singular couple of U.S. expatriates, Ron and Trudy, who have lived in Costa Rica for more than 30 years. After setting foot on this particular beach, made almost completely of small size pebbles, our guests were warmly welcomed by Spike, the dog, and the loud screeching of scarlet macaws in flight over the gardens.
Very soon everyone was ready to start and anxious to discover the fascinating hidden corners of the garden. Whether accompanied by a guide, or simply by walking on their own, our guests were able to experience the magic of Casa Orquidea. It is not rare for the staff to hear something like: “….can you pick me up next week, I just want to stay here!” in reference to our wonderful time in the gardens. After walking the trails, taking like a zillion pictures and sharing some nice conversation with the owners, our guests were ready to come back on board the ship. A refreshing surprise was waiting and rapidly after coming back, our guests heard the announcement opening the stern for swimming. Right after this celebrated fun time, and a staff presentation on board, we were all ready for some invigorating and well-earned lunch prepared by the galley. But wait, it was not over yet, since the famous Lex Global Market opened in the lounge. Our guests had another chance to browse, hold beautiful native indigenous weaved baskets and perhaps purchase a hat or a shirt for the coming days.
Later, a good number of our guests on board decided that they would go on the exploration of Rio Tigre by kayaks. Many more also enjoyed the secret life of birds, mammals and reptilian life on mangroves and river banks scattered along the area, as viewed from the Zodiacs. It was a great opportunity for questions, discoveries, pleasant conversations and fantastic wildlife observation. In the meantime, the guests who decided to take kayaks felt very satisfied to accomplish their daily exercise quota in an extremely amusing way. When we are out in this kind of environment, we can really feel the soothing power of nature over elements and people; we become one with this fascinating natural world!
All too soon, we all came back on board to share great anecdotes and inspirational chatting regarding the marvelous day everyone had at Golfo Dulce, Costa Rica. The day was perfectly completed by stunning bioluminescent brilliance in the surrounding waters crossed occasionally by playful dolphins. This extraordinary natural event was left behind swiftly by Sea Lion as we started sailing towards our next destination in Panama.
